Whether you’re popping in before heading out on your cruise, or staying a while, Miami has something for everyone! This Spring Break Capital of the World has so much more to offer all year round. Check out these essential stops for your next trip to Miami, Florida.
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Miami Things to Do
Iconic South Beach
Found between 1st and 25th street on Miami Beach
South Beach was more than I expected and 100% worth going. I’m not one to spend hours on a beach, but I loved the vibrantly fun lifeguard stands and the beautiful color of the water. The seaweed was a bit of an eye sore but the sand was pristine and it was fun walking for hours. A bit of a warning tho: It’s deep sand, so my calf muscles got a WORKOUT, baybay. Luckily, there are tons of restaurants and bars along Ocean Drive to stop and relax after playing in the sand or water for hours.
Mango’s Tropical Cafe (and Nightclub)
900 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
I’m not gonna lie, the nightlife in Miami (and specifically South Beach) is a little intimidating for me. I’m not a club kinda girl, but I had to see the iconic Mango’s Mambo Bar and Tropical Cafe. So I went in the afternoon. They open around noon each day, so it worked out perfectly. It was a nice treat after playing in the sand across the street at South Beach. The building is quite fun with lots of great murals and has some dinner shows and salsa classes if you have more time on your trip. And if you love a good party, they’re open til 5AM! So have fun and be safe.
Good Eats in Miami
Las Olas Cafe
644 6th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
The magic combination of pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on warm bread makes the Cuban sandwich one of my favorites. So, it only made sense my first stop in Miami was at @lasolascafe_southbeach. This warm sandwich was so good! I especially love how they cut it vertical, so it was super easy to stuff in the mouth!
Miami’s Infamous Art Scene
World Erotic Art Museum
1205 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Miami was one of my Bucket List Challenge destinations, so I was visiting recommendations from the book, “Fly Solo: The 50 Best Places On Earth For a Girl to Travel Alone.” The World Erotic Art Museum was one of the more unique places listed in Miami and surprisingly, was in walking distance from Mango’s (having a drink before going is a total win). Seeing how many phallic representations have been centered throughout various world cultures was surprising. I spent most of my visit going, “Whoa” or “Wow.” If you can see past what some would call vulgarities, it really was a combination of art museum, history museum, and a world culture showcase of the role human sexuality has played in society from ancient history to today.
Art as Soon as You Get Off the Plane – Miami International Airport (MIA)
2100 NW 42nd Ave, Miami, FL 33142
Bienvenidos a Miami! Such a colorful city, and it starts just as soon as you exit the plane when landing at the Miami International Airport. 😎🌈 What a welcome! #ArtsatMIA
Pro Tip: This airport is HUGE – It’s normally a jumping off point for most Central and South American countries. It’s also home to the busiest cruise port in the United States. So, pack your patience and give yourself plenty of time.
Hotel Recommendation
The Confidante Miami Beach (formerly)
Transitioning to Andaz Miami Beach in late 2024
4041 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
Finding hotels on Miami Beach was tricky and took some hard work. I had my heart set on the famous art deco spots but reviews were horrible citing roaches, old, out-dated rooms/accommodations, and loud noises from the club scenes surrounding the area. The prices to stay on Miami Beach can be quite high, but when we found a Hyatt property further down the beach, we knew we were in for a treat! We booked this hotel back in the golden days when you could book a Hyatt room for 5,000 max points. My friend and I both transferred the needed 5,000 nightly points from our Chase Sapphire Reserve accounts to reserve a room. At the front desk, they combined our reservations and we were able to enjoy a great weekend stay. The location was flawless and so was their beach access. I enjoyed a GREAT morning in their lounge chairs. They also had all the amenities you could want in a weekend stay including very comfy beds and a great view from the small balcony.
The only thing we struggled with was getting a room directly under the gym, so you might ask the check-in desk to ensure your ceiling is not the gym floor or you might be in for a very loud early morning.
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